Children’s dental care checklist
Looking after our teeth is a lifelong undertaking so it helps to get off to a good start. Brush up on our top tips for children’s dental care, including when to take your baby to the dentist, to keep your toddler’s cheeky smile healthy and bright.
- Consider taking your baby with you to the dentist within 6 months of their first tooth coming or at around 12 months old. It helps them get used to the sights and sounds.
- Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean, damp cloth twice a day. Start brushing your child’s teeth with a soft bristle baby tooth brush as soon as they come through, at least once a day.
- From 1 to 2 years of age, brush your child’s teeth daily using a non-fluoridated toothpaste.
- Let your baby watch while you brush your teeth so they can see how it’s done.
- Switch to a regular open cup for all drinks between 12 and 15 months of age and limit soother use to nap time.
- Brush in small circles covering all surfaces of the teeth.
- Let your toddler spit the toothpaste out but don’t rinse with water.
- After 3 years of age, your child should brush for 2 minutes, 2 times per day as part of their daily routine.
- Talk to your kid’s dentist about tips and advice on how to keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy.
Sources
Canadian Paediatric Society. Caring for Kids. Health teeth for children. https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/healthy_teeth_for_children Accessed September 2020.
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